Guardianship and conservatorship in Kansas: who, where, cost

How a court can name a guardian or conservator in Kansas, what it costs and what to try first.

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Short answer

Guardian for an adult (full or limited), conservator (full or limited), protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship.

Filing fee
$69.50 docket fee for a guardianship, a conservatorship, or a combined guardianship and conservatorship.
Court
District court, usually in the county where the adult lives.

What guardianship or conservatorship is

What it is called

Guardian for an adult (full or limited), conservator (full or limited), protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship

When a court may appoint one

The court may appoint a guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the adult cannot meet essential requirements for physical health, safety or self-care, even with appropriate supportive services, technology or supported decision making, and that a protective arrangement or other less restrictive alternative cannot meet the need. The court may not order a full guardianship if a limited guardianship or less restrictive alternative would work.

Law: K.S.A. 59-30,141

Kinds
  • Full guardianship
  • Limited guardianship
  • Full or limited conservatorship
  • Emergency guardian or conservator
  • Protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship

Law: K.S.A. 59-30,101, 59-30,141, 59-30,142, 59-30,149

Who can ask, which court and your own choice

Who may ask

Any person interested in the adult's welfare, including the adult, by a verified petition.

Law: K.S.A. 59-30,142

Court

District court, usually in the county where the adult lives.

Law: K.S.A. 59-30,106

Choosing your own

You can nominate a guardian or conservator in a power of attorney or a durable power of attorney for health care decisions. The court gives high priority to your most recent nomination in a power of attorney, and a health care agent you named comes next.

Law: K.S.A. 58-656(d), 58-627(b), 59-30,149

Effect on a power of attorney

If a conservator is appointed, the attorney in fact must account to the conservator as well as to you, and the conservator has the same power to revoke or amend the durable power of attorney that you would have. A guardian of the person can revoke or amend a durable power of attorney for health care decisions, but must still follow its instructions on life-sustaining treatment.

Law: K.S.A. 58-656(c); K.S.A. 58-627(a); K.S.A. 59-30,155(c)(4)

Cost, fee waiver and forms

Filing fee

$69.50 docket fee for a guardianship, a conservatorship, or a combined guardianship and conservatorship. Other costs the court approves, such as publication of notice or service of process, are extra.

Law: K.S.A. 59-104

Fee waiver

A poverty affidavit can be filed instead of paying the docket fee.

Law: K.S.A. 59-104(b), 60-2001(b)

Other options and where to report abuse

Supported decision-making

Supported decision-making agreements act

Effective 2026 (approved April 7, 2026; effective on publication in the statute book)

An adult can choose one or more supporters to help them understand information, make and communicate their own decisions. The adult can still act without the supporter. Either side can end the agreement at any time by a dated, signed writing; it also ends if the adult becomes incapacitated. A supporter owes the adult a fiduciary duty.

Dated and in writing, naming each supporter and describing their help, with a notice to third parties and a signed declaration by each supporter. You and each supporter sign under penalty of perjury. The agreement must substantially follow the Judicial Council form. If you have a guardian or conservator, you must notify them.

Source: Official text

Less restrictive options
  • Supported decision making: Trusted people help the adult make their own decisions.
  • Power of attorney for finances or health care: The adult names an agent while able to do so.
  • Representative payee: A payee manages Social Security or other benefit payments.
  • Protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship: The court orders a specific, limited protection without appointing a guardian or conservator.
Report abuse or exploitation

Kansas Department for Children and Families, Adult Protective Services (Kansas Protection Report Center) · 1-800-922-5330

Call or text the Eldercare Locator to find your local adult protective services: 1-800-677-1116 · eldercare.acl.gov

Law: 2026 Kan. Sess. Laws ch. 77, §§ 3-7

Free help in Kansas

Report abuse or exploitation

Kansas Department for Children and Families, Adult Protective Services (Kansas Protection Report Center) · 1-800-922-5330

Questions about powers of attorney in Kansas

How does guardianship or conservatorship work in Kansas?

The court may appoint a guardian only if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the adult cannot meet essential requirements for physical health, safety or self-care, even with appropriate supportive services, technology or supported decision making, and that a protective arrangement or other less restrictive alternative cannot meet the need.

What does a guardianship or conservatorship cost in Kansas?

$69.50 docket fee for a guardianship, a conservatorship, or a combined guardianship and conservatorship. Other costs the court approves, such as publication of notice or service of process, are extra.

What are the alternatives to guardianship in Kansas?

Supported decision making; Power of attorney for finances or health care; Representative payee; Protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship.

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